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                          [PALMER & DODGE LETTERHEAD]

                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1




September 11, 1997


IPL Systems, Inc.
124 Acton Street
Maynard, Massachusetts  01754


        We are rendering this opinion in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") filed by IPL Systems, Inc.
(the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), on or about the date hereof. The
Registration Statement relates to 1,195,000 shares (the "Shares") of the
Company's Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value, offered pursuant to the
provisions of the Company's 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan").

        In connection with this opinion, we have examined and relied upon the
Registration Statement, the Plan, the Company's Restated Articles of
Organization, and Bylaws, as amended, and the originals or copies
certified to our satisfaction of such records, documents, certificates,
memoranda and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate
to enable us to render the opinion expressed below. We have assumed the
genuineness and authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the
conformity to originals of all documents submitted to us as copies thereof and
the due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and
delivery are a prerequisite to the effectiveness thereof.

        Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, when issued in
accordance with the terms of the Plan and the options or other rights granted
thereunder, the Shares will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

        We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.


                                Very truly yours,



                                Palmer & Dodge LLP