In recent years, electrical infrastructure in campsites has evolved from being a purely technical matter into a strategic issue for site operators. This is the context in which Selectric operates: the Italian company has long been developing solutions dedicated to the outdoor hospitality sector and is now addressing the changes introduced by the 2024 revision of the CEI 64-8 standard. We spoke with Simona Perna, Head of the Outdoor Division at Selectric, to understand the practical implications for campsites and motorhome areas.
Camping Business – The revision of CEI 64-8 introduced several new obligations. Which one is truly game-changing?
Simona Perna – The real turning point is the mandatory adoption of interlocked sockets. The new regulation has further raised safety standards by requiring this type of socket to prevent accidental contact with live parts. With standard, non-interlocked sockets, contact with fingers – even a child’s – is impossible, but risks remain if thin foreign objects such as nails or metal wires are inserted into the socket. Interlocked systems eliminate the issue at source: power flows only when the plug is fully inserted and the handle has been turned. This not only provides greater protection, but also resolves common issues such as poor connections, overheated plugs and sparking during connection or disconnection.
Camping Business – The regulation explicitly bans adapters and multi-socket splitters. Why was it necessary to address this aspect as well?
Simona Perna – Because they represented one of the weakest points in terms of safety. Adapters make it possible to bypass the interlock system, allowing the use of non-compliant plugs, while splitters remove the dedicated protection for each individual user. In both cases, control over the safety of the entire installation is lost, exposing the campsite to risks.
Camping Business – The positioning and even the number of sockets per service bollard has also received attention. How should this requirement be interpreted?
Simona Perna – It is a matter of both safety and site appearance. The regulation now requires sockets to be positioned as close as possible to the pitch. Reducing the number of sockets per bollard and distributing them more effectively helps eliminate the dangerous “tangles” created by excessively long power cables crossing different pitches and creating potential hazards.
Camping Business – In this scenario, where do smart service bollards fit in? Are they a technological evolution or a necessity?
Simona Perna – I would say both. Selectric’s Smart CX-e is not just an innovation, but a concrete response to a market that is changing rapidly. We are seeing exponential growth in “green campsites” across Europe: guests want close contact with nature, but without sacrificing comfort. At the same time, modern vehicles are becoming increasingly energy-intensive. This imbalance forces campsite operators to rethink their approach: electricity management can no longer be approximate. The main advantage of our Smart solution is total control. Thanks to the integration of remote monitoring systems and precise billing, operators can finally move away from flat-rate charging.
The Smart CX-e gives guests new freedom: they can use their onboard equipment while receiving real-time notifications if they exceed the available power. The consumption monitoring system continuously checks absorbed power and automatically disconnects the socket if preset amperage limits are exceeded, avoiding breaker trips. The system then sends a message to the customer, asking them to restore the correct values before reactivating the socket directly from their smartphone.
The flexibility of the system also allows operators to adjust the supplied power quickly and easily according to each customer’s specific needs. We have invested heavily in the interface to ensure it is genuinely user-friendly, both for campsite staff and end users. Ultimately, choosing the CX-e means transforming the campsite into an intelligent, safe energy hub ready to meet the challenges of sustainability.
Camping Business – Resistance to weather conditions and long-term durability remain central issues. How are these addressed today?
Simona Perna – Service bollards often operate in harsh environmental conditions, so material selection is crucial. It is not just about appearance: we use UV-resistant plastics such as high-quality polycarbonate and anti-corrosion 304 stainless steel painted with thermosetting powders in different colors. High IP ratings (protection against water and dust) and IK ratings (impact resistance) ensure the enclosure remains intact over time, preventing live parts from becoming accessible due to cracks or damage. Selectric has subjected its bollards to specific testing in order to certify complete reliability even under intensive use and in demanding climates.
Camping Business – Where are Selectric’s solutions developed?
Simona Perna – Ours is true integrated “Made in Italy” production. We manage the entire process in-house, from design through to manufacturing. We have a mechanical department for metal structures and an electrical department dedicated to assembly and testing. This short supply chain gives us complete quality control and, equally importantly today, delivery times that the market greatly appreciates.
Camping Business – So not only products but also support?
Simona Perna – Exactly. Our sales department works in close synergy with production: feedback from campsite operators is brought directly to our designers so we can continuously refine our products. We do not simply sell a service bollard; we provide comprehensive technical and regulatory consultancy. We help campsites solve specific challenges, guiding them towards the most efficient configuration for their site. We also provide remote assistance for campsites using the Smart CX-e bollard, connecting directly to the unit in order to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
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