TC-ER-rated cables can be installed in exposed runs outside the cable tray, up to 6 feet between the cable tray and connected equipment, and without conduit—provided that the cable is secured and protected from mechanical damage, per code. Tray cables (TC, TC-ER, and similar types) are specially designed for use in cable tray systems, which support multiple runs of cable across industrial and commercial buildings. Conduit, on the other hand, is a rigid or flexible tube that provides additional mechanical protection and environmental. Effective cable tray and conduit system planning is essential for both new installations and retrofit projects. According to the Uptime Institute's 2023 Outage Analysis, human error contributes to nearly 80% of data center failures.