The Call That Saved My Home: How Ting Prevented a Fire Just in Time

An Urgent Alert

Imagine you're backstage, moments away from delivering the biggest presentation of your career, when your phone buzzes with an unexpected text.

It's from Charlie at the Ting Fire Safety Team:

Hey Doug, this is Charlie from the Ting Fire Safety Team, just wanted to let you know that we have detected some serious arcing going on in your home and we would like to work with you to try and figure out what is the cause. Please give me a call as soon as you can so we can work to find and fix this issue.

And then you open up the Ting app on your smartphone and see the threat (see image gallery).

Despite the timing, you know the safety of your home cannot wait. I responded to Charlie that I would forward the text to my wife who was at home.  Together, they contacted PG&E.  Within 30 minutes, a PG&E service person arrived at our home.  The PG&E person found a frayed and weathered connection between the transformer and our house.  He replaced the connectors. 

This is the story of how a smart little device called Ting became my family's unsung hero.

What is Ting?

Ting is not just any gadget; it's a lifesaver. Developed by Whisker Labs, Ting is a smart sensor that detects micro-arcs—tiny electrical fluctuations that can lead to fires. Here’s why every home should have Ting:

  • Proactive fire prevention: Unlike traditional smoke detectors that alert you after a fire starts, Ting can spot the danger before it escalates.

  • Easy installation: Plug it in, and it's ready to protect your entire home.

  • Round-the-clock monitoring: Ting keeps an eye on your home 24/7 and notifies you of any potential issues.

  • Dedicated support: The Ting team is there to assist you in resolving issues, often covering repair costs up to $1,000.

The Personal Story Behind Ting

The inspiration for Ting came from a personal tragedy. Bob Marshall, the CEO and founder of Whisker Labs, decided to tackle fire safety after his sister-in-law’s home was destroyed by fire. This event brought to light the devastating impact of electrical fires and spurred Bob to use his expertise in signal processing and data science to prevent such disasters from affecting others.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Maryland, this company has made a profound impact by being installed in over 700,000 homes, with an ongoing expansion of 50,000 homes each month. Their commitment to safety has successfully prevented four out of five potential fires, providing immense relief and protection from the financial loss and emotional distress that often accompany such devastating events.

Whisker Labs: A Culture of Customer Support

At Whisker Labs, customer support is paramount. The company's culture is heavily influenced by Silicon Valley's innovative customer service techniques. Each team member understands the gravity of their responsibility—not just maintaining homes but safeguarding lives. Their proactive approach ensures that every customer feels secure and valued.

Wisdom for Entrepreneurs from Bob Marshall

Bob Marshall, a seasoned entrepreneur with three successful startups under his belt, shared his insights for budding business leaders:

  • Identify Significant Problems: Ensure the problem you're tackling is substantial and has a real market need.

  • Maintain Focus: Bob's first venture grew to $60 million in revenue but was strained by too many small projects. He advises focusing on one major opportunity to avoid dilution of efforts and resources.

At Whisker Labs, the focus is clear: prevent residential fires on a global scale. This single-mindedness has the potential to protect a billion homes worldwide—a goal worth billions.

Engaging with Bob: A Lighter Note

In a lighter exchange, Bob revealed his superpower wish:

If I could scan the planet to identify all problems and direct resources to fix them, I would. I love data.

Join the Movement

Ting by Whisker Labs isn’t just another tech gadget; it’s a critical investment in the safety and security of your home. Join the movement towards a safer future and experience the peace of mind that comes from having Ting on your side.

To learn more about how Ting can protect your home, visit https://www.whiskerlabs.com, tingfire.com, and schedule a demo to see it in action.

Doug EricksonTing