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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                                           


    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration 
Statement (Form S-8)       pertaining to the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan of our 
report dated February 14, 1997, with respect to the consolidated financial 
statements and schedules of AFC Cable Systems, Inc. included in its Annual 
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Providence, Rhode Island
June 2, 1997



