EXHIBIT 23



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
Charter Power Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries on Forms S-8 (Registration Nos. 33-
31978, 33-71390 and 33-86672) of our reports dated March 22, 1996 on our audits
of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
Charter Power Systems, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of January 31, 1996 and 1995,
and for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 1996, which
reports are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 26, 1996