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My wife leaves her laptop charger plugged into a wall outlet. As soon as she connects the other end to the laptop (meaning AC is actively flowing through the plug to the laptop), it makes a strange hissing noise.

Is this something to worry about? Is this the outlet itself, or a symptom of a bigger problem?

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The laptop makes a hissing noise, or the wall outlet makes a hissing noise? – Karl Katzke Aug 21 '11 at 2:53
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Laptop power supplies will often make a harmless hissing noise. Be sure that it is the laptop power supply, and not the wall outlet. If the wall outlet is doing it, it is very dangerous. – Brad Aug 21 '11 at 14:43
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Hissing sound in the outlet is something to be addressed ASAP, but aware that it might be the charger itself - electronics.stackexchange.com/q/14256/3552 – sharptooth Aug 22 '11 at 6:14

2 Answers

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Does the noise happen when another item such as a lamp is plugged in the outlet? If so, the outlet is bad and needs to be replaced or has loose wire connections. If it doesn't make noise with anything but the computer power supply, it may be the transformer of the power supply making the noise.

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I have noticed that sometimes computer AC/DC power bricks can make a faint hissing noise. I would recommend you try other devices in the same outlet, OR move the computer to another outlet and see if you get the same results. I am banking on the AC/DC power brick making the noise. – Josh Aug 21 '11 at 13:12
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If the circuit makes a 'hissing' noise as soon as load is applied, then you definitely should check that outlet for a problem.

Shut off the power at the breaker. Confirm that the power is off using either an electric light plugged into the outlet, or by using a Non-contact voltage tester. Unscrew the faceplate of the outlet, then unscrew the outlet. Examine the wires for heat damage or signs of arcing. I'd probably just go ahead and replace the outlet.

This is definitely something you should worry about; I'd expect to see something like this:

Heat-damaged outlet

If you don't feel comfortable doing that, call an electrician.

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Check both outlets before tinkering. While its unlikely in a office or bedroom, your outlet could be a split. Always check both outlets for voltage. – Chris Cudmore Aug 21 '11 at 14:37
@Chris: Second this. I have a split outlet in the room I use as an office. I needed an additional line run and the additional cost to run an extra wire to it was only a few bucks, I had them do it that way. There is one paired breaker in the box that controls both sides, though. – Loren Pechtel Aug 21 '11 at 17:13

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