I asked Dave Lavery this same question at kickoff... his reply was something like this:
[paraphrase]
Those Connectors can handle 120amps for short periods of time... (i assume he meant about a match length)
The problem was when people were using aligator clamps to connect to the amp connector and scratching the mating surfaces, which was causing a poor connection and the 'connector failure'.
You may not use alternatives, especially because of the modified weighting rule this year. (120lbs + battery and leads).
[/paraphrase]
I also, about 2 years ago asked about the 6awg wire. Yes the voltage drop per foot isn't ideal as good as say 4awg...but apparently the insulation is rated for that current. (That is, insulation on wires has a temperature rating before it melts...) You can read about it on belden's web site...
So the real issue here is: Is the 6awg wire in the kit have insulation rated
for 120A? (To which I don't have an answer.)
Also I believe FIRST relies on the fact that matches are short and most teams don't draw 60A continuous.
I'm still uncomforatable with it, I'm big on following ratings for electrical supplies based on the worst case situation and not on the usual happenings.
I don't write the rules, I just complain about them...
