It still doesn't include the
whole workspace as you would lead us to believe
Just the panel itself
There's two rules at play, working space 110.26(A) and dedicated equipment space 110.26(E). As it turns out, they don't overlap.
TLDR. If you don't want to be questioned about it, don't put anything non electrical related on the wall in the working space area from floor to ceiling.
Here's what the NEC says about working space:
110.26(A)
(1) Depth of Working Space. The depth of the working space
in the direction of live parts shall not be less than that specified
in Table 110.26(A)(1) unless the requirements of
110.26(A)(1)(a), (A)(1)(b), or (A)(1)(c) are met. Distances
shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the
enclosure or opening if the live parts are enclosed.
(2) Width of Working Space. The width of the working space
in front of the electrical equipment shall be the width of the
equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. In all
cases, the work space shall permit at least a 90 degree opening
of equipment doors or hinged panels.
(3) Height of Working Space. The work space shall be clear
and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to a height of
2.0 m (6-1∕2 ft) or the height of the equipment, whichever is
greater. Within the height requirements of this section, other
equipment that is associated with the electrical installation and
is located above or below the electrical equipment shall be
permitted to extend not more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the
front of the electrical equipment.
I'm saying "panel" here instead of "electrical equipment" because that's where these questions typically come up.
(1) says working space depth is measured from the front of the panel.
(3) says the working space must be clear. I interpret that as nothing should be in the working space. If there's something in the NEC that says otherwise, let me know where.
(3) also implies other electrical equipment may be in the working space, and that it can come into the working space up to 6" if its above or below the panel, but can't come into the working space if its mounted to the sides?
If the panel is surface mounted, (1) says the working space starts at the front of the panel. Implies you can put non-electrical stuff on the wall as long as that stuff doesn't stick out past the front of the panel, typically 3-1/2".
If the panel is flush mounted, (1) still says the working space starts at the front of the panel, which would be the wall. You can't put any non electrical stuff on the wall since it would be in the working space.
110.26(E) Dedicated Equipment Space
(1) Indoor. Indoor installations shall comply with 110.26(E)
(1)(a) through (E)(1)(d).
(a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the width
and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a
height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural
ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical
installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or
other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be
located in this zone.
For example, if a typical panel is surface mounted, there's a 3-1/2" x 14" column from the floor to ceiling that's the dedicated space.
If the panel is flush mounted, the dedicated space is in the wall.
Only items related to the electrical system are allowed in the dedicated space. For example, a welder receptacle off the bottom of a surface mount panel.
(b) Foreign Systems. The area above the dedicated space
required by 110.26(E)(1)(a) shall be permitted to contain
foreign systems, provided protection is installed to avoid
damage to the electrical equipment from condensation, leaks,
or breaks in such foreign systems
If you happen to have really tall walls, the dedicated space ends 6' ABOVE the top of the panel and you'd be OK putting stuff way up there.
Back to the OP's original question, since you said you want to mount the fan above the panel and IN THE SAME STUD BAY you can't do it. Has nothing to do with working space, but you'd be in the dedicated space.
