The IP rating classifies the level of protection a metal or plastic push pull connector (or any other type of metal connectors or plastic water connectors) provides against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water as defined by the international standard IEC 60529. IP stands for "international protection” or "ingress protection" and is an international system for classifying the effectiveness of the sealed enclosures used in electrical systems. Ratings are standardized and consist of two digits and an optional third digit and/or letter.

Each digit indicates a different level of conformity for with the conditions enumerated in the tables below. If there is no protection rating assigned to one of the criteria, the digit is replaced with the letter X.

The first digit of the IP rating system signifies the degree to which the connection is protected against contact with hazardous moving parts, as well as the degree to which that equipment is protected against the ingress of solid foreign objects.

The second digit of the IP rating system signifies the degree to which the equipment inside the enclosure is protected against the harmful entry of various amounts and forms of liquid.

The third digit of the IP rating system signifies the degree to which the connection is protected against impact.

A push pull connector (or other metal connectors) and plastic water connectors can be further classified by additional optional letters that signify the level of protection against access to hazardous objects or body parts by humans.

Theses additional indications can be further explained using the letter classification listed below.

Using the IP rating system outlined above, a metal push pull connector with an IP rating of IP 32 would be protected against the intrusion of thick wires or tools and could withstand water spraying at a slight angle.