ACME ELECTRIC CORPORATION
NEWS RELEASE
SECOND QUARTER RESULTS FOR FISCAL 1996


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                 ACME ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES SECOND-QUARTER RESULTS


    EAST AURORA, N.Y., February 6, 1996 -- Acme Electric Corporation (NYSE:ACE)
announced today that, for the second quarter of its 1996 fiscal year ended
December 29, 1995, net sales were $23,425,000, compared to $21,320,000 for the
comparable period of the previous year, with a net loss of $834,000, or $.17
per share, compared to net income of $339,000, or $.07 per share the previous
year.  Net sales for the twenty-six-week period ended December 29, 1995, were
$49,356,000, compared with $42,254,000 for the comparable period of the
previous year.  The net loss for the twenty-six-week period ended December 29,
1995, was $501,000, or $.10 per share, compared with net income of $1,092,000,
or $.22 per share, for the comparable period of the previous year.
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert J. McKenna, said that, "Our
industrial OEM business continued to improve, winning a new program for Alcatel
Data Network and adding Stratus Computer and Silicon Graphics as new customers. 
However, our electrical distribution products business was disrupted with the
introduction of new advanced manufacturing techniques which, although
beneficial in the long-term, greatly impacted profitability during the last
quarter.  The manufacturing operations of the aerospace business were
successfully consolidated, but large cost overruns were incurred in the
process, and it continued to be a financial drain on the Corporation.  A plan
has been developed which we expect will bring this business to a break-even
operating position over the next three quarters."
    McKenna added that, "Although the financial results for the quarter are
disappointing, I am convinced that, as an organization, we are doing the right
things for the long-term best interests of our shareholders."
    Founded in 1917, Acme Electric Corporation is a leader in the design and
manufacture of power conversion products for electronic and electrical systems
for industrial, commercial, residential, and military and aerospace
applications.  corporate headquarters are in East Aurora, N.Y., with operations
in Cuba, N.Y., Lumberton, N.C. and Tempe, Ariz.  Company news is available by
FAX: dial 1-800-758-5804, and input extension 006675; or for INTERNET access go
to: http://www.prnewswire.com/cnoc/exec/menu?006675


                                     # # # #
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ACME ELECTRIC CORPORATION

Comparative Analysis
(in thousands, except for per share data)




                                    13 Weeks      13 Weeks      26 Weeks      26 Weeks
                                     Ended         Ended         Ended         Ended
                                 Dec. 30, 1994 Dec. 29, 1995 Dec. 30, 1994 Dec. 29, 1995
<S>                              <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net Sales                           $21,320       $23,425       $42,254       $49,356
Net Income (Loss)                       339          (834)        1,092          (501)
Earnings (Loss) per share              $.07         $(.17)         $.22         $(.10)
Weighted Number of Shares    
  Outstanding Used to Compute
  Income (Loss) Per Common Share  4,920,669     4,949,791     4,901,140     4,955,494

</TABLE>