Government of Maharashtra has introduced a new rule aimed at transforming fire safety compliance across the state.Effective from June 12, 2025, the amendment to the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Rules, 2009 now mandates the installation of an Automated Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) based on IoT (Internet of Things) in buildings. This is a pioneering step towards real-time, 24×7 surveillance of critical fire safety infrastructure.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new ACMS rule, its features, and what it means for building owners, developers, and fire safety professionals.
What is Automated Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) and Why It’s a Big Deal?
The Automated Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) is a tech-enabled fire safety solution that uses IoT technology to monitor, alert, and ensure the readiness of fire-fighting systems installed in a building. Unlike traditional inspection-based models, ACMS ensures real-time status updates, continuous system health monitoring, and automatic alerts when faults are detected — reducing reliance on manual checks and significantly increasing fire safety preparedness.
As per the new rules under Rule 3A and Appendix [Rule 4(3)], the ACMS must be installed and certified in two key phases:
Phase I: Immediate implementation; alerts go to the building owner/occupier and the licensed fire safety agency.
Phase II: Critical alarms (like pump failures, low water levels, or detection faults) will also be forwarded to local fire and emergency authorities.
Why Is Automated Continuous Monitoring System (ACMS) Being Introduced?
In traditional systems, fire safety checks are manual, periodic, and prone to lapses. Maharashtra’s new rule changes this. ACMS ensures round-the-clock, automated vigilance on critical fire safety installations like hydrants, sprinklers, tanks, alarms, and ventilation systems.
Here’s what prompted the change:
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Increasing incidents of fire due to inactive or poorly maintained fire systems.
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Lack of real-time visibility on equipment health.
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Need for smarter, faster emergency alerts and compliance tracking.
What Must Be Monitored by Automated Continuous Monitoring System ?
As per the newly appended Appendix, the ACMS must digitally track both active and passive fire systems such as:
Active Fire Systems:
-Hydrant pump status (main, standby, jockey)
-Sprinkler system pressure and power supply
-Water tank levels (underground/overhead)
-Diesel tank monitoring for backup pumps
Passive & Detection Systems:
-Fire detection panels and manual call points
-Public address (PA) systems
-Air pressurization fans for staircases and lift lobbies
-Basement ventilation systems
All these must be connected via an IoT Gateway to a cloud server which logs and reports data every minute. In case of data transmission failure for more than 15 minutes, the cloud platform must auto-generate SMS/email alerts.
How Will Automated Continuous Monitoring System Work Technically?
The system follows a MQTTS protocol for secure and reliable machine-to-machine communication. Here’s a quick technical breakdown
-Cloud connectivity via 4G/5G, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi
-Real-time data with 1-minute intervals
-Minimum 7-hour UPS backup for the gateway
-10,000 event log capacity with time-stamp
-Reports and alarms accessible through a centralized portal
-Provision for API integration with local emergency services
-This high-uptime solution (99% minimum) aims to set a new standard for real-time fire protection monitoring.
Who Can Install and Certify ACMS?
Only Licensed Agencies registered under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006 can:
Install the ACMS and issue Form A-1
Maintain and inspect the system twice yearly (January & July) and issue Form B-1
All certifications must be submitted to authorities, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
The inclusion of ACMS in Maharashtra’s fire safety framework is a visionary move. It reflects the state’s commitment to technological innovation, citizen safety, and regulatory accountability. For builders, residents, and institutions, this rule offers a dependable and proactive approach to managing life safety.
Stay ahead of compliance. If you are a building owner, facility manager, or safety professional—get your ACMS certified, audited, and reported as per the new norm
