EXHIBIT 23


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the registration  statements of
C&D TECHNOLOGIES,  INC. and Subsidiaries  (formerly Charter Power Systems, Inc.)
on Forms S-8 (Registration  Nos.  33-31978,  33-71390,  33-86672,  333-17979 and
333-38891) and Form S-3  (Registration  No.  333-38893) of our report dated June
19, 1998 on our audits of the statements of net assets available for benefits of
the C&D  Technologies  Savings  Plan as of  December  31,  1997 and 1996 and the
related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the years
then ended, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 11-K.



COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 25, 1998