Laptop charger on carpet

From my knowledge a transformer works by sending current through a coil which induces a current in a coil thats located very close to the initial coil. This is how you reduce the power from 120v to 5v, or whatever. So, even though you disconnect your notebook, there is still current running through the block. There just is no current running through the secondary circuit, which the primary [house] circuit is creating.

At least, that's what I remember.

My point is, that the brick probably is using the same amount of power, always.

Firstly, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT PLACE THEM ON A PILE OF NEWSPAPERS. Heat will dry that paper out and make it very flammable. Always follow the manufacturers installation instructions when placing electrical equipment and it's cabling.

Binding up cables [wire ties] that are hot is NOT recommended. Alert Sirens Fire risk. Hot cables need ventilation.

I recently tested a fast charger for my mob phone that I thought was getting too hot with a calibrated laser thermometer and it read 65'C. That's pretty normal temp for such a device and given it is resting on a nice new counter piece I improved the design with some little stoppers from a hardware store. Now it still gets hot but gets better ventilation and will be less likely to change the colour of our wood.

I doubt very much that the cables are likely to start any fires without any as they will be electrically insulated [unless otherwise compromised] and hot to the touch is about 65'C or so which is not a temperature that is going to start a fire unless some accelerant is used – even at that temp it would require an ignition source. The transformer is hot as it is transforming mains voltage into power suitable for your computer to use and that generates heat. If you want to dissipate the heat more readily you could put it on a ceramic tile with maybe some of those door knob stops under it [you know those rubber square things you stick to the wall] to improve ventilation.

The rest of the cabling on the floor will likely be only pushing about 5V and shouldn't be getting hot at all. If you have a lot of devices being powered out of a single wall socket there is a risk of fire if you are living in a older house that does not have RCD's installed.

If in doubt of anything, always contract an electrician or other qualified professional or trained person [or the manufacturer] for advice.

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