a breakaway coupler suitable for connecting segments of powered and nonpowered wires , configured to provide a “ weakest link ” connection point that is the first to fail upon the application of a substantial force to the wire segments connected by the coupler , with the coupler comprising a first receptacle configured to securely retain a first segment of wire , a second receptacle configured to securely retain a second segment of wire , and a sacrificial coupling member configured to connect the first receptacle to the second receptacle .