Macbook power adapter making "noise," is it normal?

[JBarbier]

Hey guys, all's been well with my Macbook, but I've started to notice that my power adapter makes a really strange electrical "hissing" sound and it gets really warm when charging my MB. I don't know if it has been doing this prior to my noticing it, or if it's normal, but I was wondering if anyone else notices the same thing with theirs. I happened to notice it while my adapter was lying on the couch next to me and I kept hearing an electrical buzzing or hissing sound emanating from it. Thanks.

 

[Kash]

A power brick making hissing noises is NOT normal. That is a sure sign of a power supply failing. I HIGHLY recommend you get it replaced ASAP. If you continue using it, it WILL fry and most probably take your Macbook with it.

 

[Chimpur]

I know they always seem to run hot.... but hissing? not so much

 

[kgeier82]

yes, it is normal. its converting power in that little box.

whoever says its not insane. ANY power brick ive EVER had has done this.

internal PSU do the exact same thing.

now if you can hear it 3 houses down, its abnormal
but if it pretty much takes a few feet away to hear it, its fine.

 

[moss918]

Well mine doesn't hiss or get hot. So what's wrong with mine?

 

[onecrazycowgirl]

Mine only does it when it's plugged into a certain outlet, and it does it even if it's plugged into a power strip that's plugged into that specific outlet. I've had some minor power supply problems - my school's laptop center took care of them, since it's a school-issued computer.

 

[Kash]

but if it pretty much takes a few feet away to hear it, its fine.

No, that's NOT normal. I have seen hundreds of power bricks for laptops and other electronics, and none of the normal working ones made noise that you could hear from more than a few inches away.

The only way I can hear my Macbook's power adapter is if I stick it right next to my ear. I move it 6 inches away, and I can't hear it making noise anymore. So if the OP can hear it while it's sitting next to her, presumably several inches/feet away, then I would have to say it's louder than normal.

Onecrazycowgirl, if you've had a laptop's power supply go bad on you before, I would have to say it's a pretty good chance that your socket is about to ruin your Macbook's too.

 

[Noxian]

yes, it is normal. its converting power in that little box.

whoever says its not insane. ANY power brick ive EVER had has done this.

internal PSU do the exact same thing.

now if you can hear it 3 houses down, its abnormal
but if it pretty much takes a few feet away to hear it, its fine.

Agree, I have seen all different brand of power packs make this exact same sound, many did it bran new and are still doing it to this day several years later.

My MacBook power pack only makes a sound when charging under load.