EXHIBIT 23.1
                                
                     ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT 



The Shareholders and Board of Directors
Thomas & Betts Corporation:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (No. 33-35297, No. 33-56789 and No. 33-68370) on Form
S-8 and in the Registration Statements (No. 33-44153 and No. 333-
20481) on Form  S-3 of Thomas & Betts Corporation of our report
dated February 6, 1997, relating to the consolidated balance
sheets of Thomas & Betts Corporation and subsidiaries as of
December 29, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and the related
consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders'
equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 29, 1996, which report appears or is incorporated by
reference in the December 29, 1996 annual report on Form 10-K of
Thomas & Betts Corporation.  Our report contains a reference to
our reliance on the report of other auditors who performed the
audit of Augat Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary.




KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Memphis, Tennessee
March 24, 1997