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                                                                      Exhibit 23



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-77243 and Form S-8 No. 333-03599) pertaining to the Eaton
Corporation Share Purchase and Investment Plan of our report dated June 14,
2001, with respect to the financial statements and schedules of the Eaton
Corporation Share Purchase and Investment Plan included in this Annual Report
(Form 11-K) for the year ended December 30, 2000.

                                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
June 25, 2001