Santa Cruz County, CA, USA
I'm in the process of building an outdoor office in my back yard (mainly as a "man cave" and quiet place to work from home).
The picture makes it look large but it's actually just a 10 x 12 shed.
Core construction is complete and now I'd like to run electrical out to it (two circuits so I can have an air conditioner or heater if needed). I've had several electricians come out to provide bids but there seems to be a difference of opinion on how to proceed.
One bid essentially involves installing two 20-amp 120/v circuits. The other bid involves installing a 30 amp 220V line from main panel to office sub panel.
All of the electricians are fully licensed and bonded with the state and assure me that the work would be to code.... So I'm confused on why there's such a difference in perspective/work. Obviously the bid with the sub-panel work is more expensive.
So my question is this: Generally speaking, when is it necessary to install a sub-panel for providing electricity to an external shed? Is there any safe/legitimate reason why some electricians might not think a sub-panel is necessary?