Why does my laptop's power brick "tick" when connected to A/C while not also connected to the computer

Question

I recently got a new 14" 2013 Razer Blade, and found that the power brick has a weird behavior.

When I plug the brick into the wall, after a few seconds, it will start to produce a "tick, tick" noise on a very consistent interval. When I plug the other end into the computer the sound will cease. But when I unplug my computer the sound will return after a few seconds.

What causes this sound? Is there potentially a problem with my adapter?

Answer 1

The sound is often caused by electricity being repeatedly discharged because there is a short circuit inside the power adapter, or it's being overloaded, or the power being fed to it from the wall is really dirty.

To test for dirty power from the source, you may want to test it in another socket in the house, and then in a completely different building to see if it still does it.

My goal would be to replace it ASAP. Contact Razer's RMA department and tell them about it. They may give you a more precise answer, or at least tell you if it's considered normal or not (not, IME), and/or help you return it.