Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the inclusion in this other events statement on Form 8-K of our report, dated January 29, 1998, except for Note 22 as to which the date is February 5, 1998, on our audits of the Financial Statements of SunSource Inc. Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. 2400 Eleven Penn Center Philadelphia, PA February 23, 1998