Definition(s)
Nonincendive component
A component having contacts for making or breaking an incendive circuit, and the contacting mechanism is constructed so that the component is incapable of igniting the specified flammable gas or vapor-air mixture. The housing of a nonincendive component is not intended to exclude the flammable atmosphere or contain an explosion. Such devices may be incorporated into equipment having the type of protection referred to as “nC.”
Source: API RP 14F, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations, Fifth Edition, July 2008. Global Standards