In Frigidaire dryers and many other household appliances, the neutral wire is typically connected to the body of the dryer and grounded for safety reasons. This practice is a part of the grounding system employed in electrical installations to ensure user safety.
The primary purpose of grounding the neutral wire is to provide a path of least resistance for electrical current in the event of a fault or malfunction. If a live wire were to come into contact with the metal body of the dryer, the grounding connection allows the current to flow directly to the ground, effectively preventing the dryer's metal parts from becoming electrified and posing a risk to users.
The grounding connection also serves to equalize the electrical potential of the metal body with that of the earth, providing an additional layer of protection. It helps to minimize the possibility of electrical shocks to users by ensuring that any fault currents are quickly and safely dissipated to the ground.
However, it's important to note that the neutral wire should only be grounded at one point in the electrical system. This grounding point is typically located at the main service panel or distribution board of the building, where the neutral conductor is bonded to the grounding electrode system. The connection between the neutral wire and the dryer body is made at this single grounding point.
This grounding arrangement is necessary for proper electrical safety, and when installed correctly, it does not cause serious issues. It ensures that any faults or current leakages are promptly directed to the ground rather than flowing through the metal parts of the dryer, protecting users from potential electric shocks.