Torque-limiting couplings

A coupling can include a barrel that includes a communication pathway, such as an electrical contact or optical pathway. The coupling can include a nut that is configured to engage with a corresponding portion of a mating connector, such as via a threaded connection. When the coupling and the mating connector are engaged, the nut secures the coupling and the mating connector together, and respective termination elements of the coupling and the mating connector are in communication with each other. The coupling can include a torque-limiting mechanism. The torque-limiting mechanism can be configured to enable the transmission of torque up to a limit amount, and to inhibit or prevent the transmission of torque above the limit amount.