What benefit does electric power have on factories?

Answer 1

To see this simply go to any old factory that was around before electric motors. You will see the reminants of an intricate power delivery system to drive rotating equipment. Long axles ran across the roof of the building, with power take off pullies every few feet. Each machine was powered from one of these pullies, so each machine had a belt running to it from the cieling. To stop and start an individual machine a clutch was needed, as stopping the steam engine or whatever else powered the whole plant was not an option. All the rotating equipment posed a huge safety hazard, and I'm willing to bet arms were lost to those belts. If a belt came off the pulley the axle had to be stopped to (safely) get that machine on-line again. Electricity de-centralized this power system. Instead of one big engine powering everything, small motors powered individual tools. The need for all the belts and axles was eliminated. Machines could be run and repaired independently. Machines could be stopped and started with a cheap switch, not an expensive clutch. Also, electric lighting was safer and brighter than gas. IIRC fires were serious problems in plants that produced lint or dust because of the explosion hazard.