EXHIBIT 12 THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) January 1, January 2, Year Ended December 31, 1995 1994 1992 1991 1990 Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes $ 494 $ 59,942 $ 52,983 $55,465 $56,122 Add: Interest on indebtedness 26,852 30,247 33,405 12,752 12,998 Amortization of debt expense 1,133 1,062 2,538 0 0 Portion of rents representative of the interest factor 7,377 7,011 6,515 3,816 3,826 Deduct: Interest capitalized during the period - - - (376) - Undistributed earnings from less than 50 percent owned persons (1,863) - - - - Earnings as adjusted $ 33,993 $ 98,262 $ 95,441 $71,657 $72,946 Fixed charges: Interest on indebtedness 26,852 $ 30,247 $ 33,405 $12,752 $12,998 Amortization of debt expense 1,133 1,062 2,538 0 0 Portion of rents representative of the interest factor 7,377 7,011 6,515 3,816 3,826 Total fixed charges $ 35,362 $ 38,320 $ 42,458 $16,568 $16,824 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .96x 2.6x 2.2x 4.3x 4.3x The ratio for the year ended January 1, 1995 was .96x, inadequate to cover fixed charges by $1,369. This is due to a provision for restructured operations of $79,011 provided in the third quarter.