Power Designs Appoints New President.

DANBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 1997--Power Designs, Inc (OTC:POWD) announced today that it has appointed Fred G. Basso President of the Company.

Mr. Basso joined the Company in early May from AFP Transformers, Inc., based in Edison, New Jersey. Mr. Basso brings a broad knowledge of the power industry, including substantial knowledge of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), Power Designs primary new product line. Mr. Basso previously served as President of Schenck Trebel Corporation of Deer Park, New York. Mr. Basso noted "I am very excited about the opportunity to grow Power Designs sales through the introduction of multiple products incorporating the Company's proprietary technology. In looking at the marketplace and customer expectations, I have been surprised by the magnitude of the opportunity. We are going to build a top notch management team, aggressively develop the product line and build a world class company." Mr. Basso was also elected to the Company's Board of Directors in June of this year.

Power Designs, Inc. Is a 44 year old manufacturer of Uninterruptible Power Supplies, Power Line Conditioners, custom linear and switch mode power supplies, Variac auto transformers and voltage regulators and invertors. -0-

"Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: this release contains forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product demand and market acceptance, new product development, reliance on key strategic alliances, availability of raw materials, the regulatory environment, fluctuations in operating results and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Power Designs

Jonathan Betts, 860/828-3332