Study Group 5 has three main objectives. The first one is to produce standards (ITU-T Recommendations) to protect telecommunication installations against damage and malfunction due to electromagnetic disturbances, such as those from lightning. The second one is to achieve with standards the protection of telecommunication personnel and users of telecommunication networks against current and voltages used in telecommunications networks. And, the third is to produce standards that protect telecommunication personnel and the general public from electromagnetic fields generated by telecommunication installations.

Recently SG5 has started work in an area important to the development of home networking technology. As more technologies emerge to allow the exchange of data within the home and small business environment, it has become necessary to address the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of these devices and networks. Standardization will help to create safe interworking between the various technologies.

And, an example of a recent standard is Recommendation K.66, that addresses. earthing and bonding requirements to achieve equipment protection and user’s safety in the home or customer’s environment.​