CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in this
registration statement of our report dated May 1, 1998, except with respect to
the matter discussed in Note 11, as to which the date is May 5, 1998, relating
to the consolidated financial statements of Elgar Holdings, Inc. included herein
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.
 
                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
San Diego, California
May 28, 1998