Disclosed is a protective separator for a rectangle plug connection, which is appropriate for cost-effective and uncomplex retrofitting to existing rectangle plug connections, and permits the deliberate and reversible separation of the plug connection in response to increased mechanical loading, in order to prevent mechanical damage and, optionally, to permit the most rapid resumption of operation possible. This disclosure includes a protective separator for a rectangle plug connection, having a bulkhead mounted housing having a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is directly attachable to a surface and/or to a surface mounted housing, and wherein the second region can be locked onto a mating plug housing, wherein the first region and the second region can be mutually separated in a reversible manner by the action of a predefined tensile force.