No, you should never connect the ground and neutral wires together on a dryer (or any other electrical appliance). The ground and neutral wires serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
Here's why:
Safety Hazard: The ground wire is intended to provide a safe path for electrical currents in the event of a fault or short circuit. If the ground and neutral wires are connected together, the dryer's metal parts could become electrified in the event of a fault. This poses a severe shock hazard to anyone touching the appliance or its metal components.
Electrical Code Violation: Connecting ground and neutral wires together is a violation of electrical codes and safety standards. Electrical codes are designed to ensure safe installations and protect both people and property from potential electrical hazards.
Protection Against Overcurrent: The neutral wire carries normal return current from the electrical load, while the ground wire is a safety feature that only carries current during fault conditions. If the ground and neutral wires are connected together, the ground wire could carry return current, potentially causing a buildup of current and not allowing proper protection against overcurrent events.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Tripping: If your electrical system has Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed (which is common in many modern homes), connecting ground and neutral together can cause GFCI trips, as it will detect current leakage through the ground wire.
In summary, it is crucial to maintain the proper separation of ground and neutral wires in any electrical appliance, including a dryer. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult a qualified electrician if you have any doubts or need assistance with electrical installations or repairs. Safety should be a top priority when dealing with electricity.