Firing the Wiring

In a mockup of the Alvin submarines personnel sphere, pilot Mike Skowronski tests the intricate system of wires that connect control panels to thrusters, ballast tanks, cameras, and other systems outside the sub. “We’re testing thousands of components and a mile of wires to see if they are going to the right places and working properly,” he said. During Alvin’s recent upgrade and overhaul, the entire wiring system was transferred into the sub’s real personnel sphere in a single piece called the wiring harness. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)