Why is my 12V lighter socket always on? Can it be switched?

[Jason94sport]

I just got a new radar detector, for my car. I moved the old unit into the X pluged into the 12V lighter socket. Well on my 94 sport, it's always powered even with the engine off. Is this normal? No other car I have had before worked like this. Is there a easy way to make it switched? So it wil only work when the X is started?
Thanks

 

[ok89]

Every car I have seen always has power to the cigarette lighter. An easy switch would be to pull the plug out when you turn the car off and plug it in when you turn the car on : )

 

[Rob2000XLT]

I just changed my power point so that it is only on when the car is on. I did it on a 2000 Explorer, so I don't know if it would be the same. I just found the GEM and found a wire that was on when the ignition was on and spliced it. Works perfectly. I found out which wire to use because I pulled the wiring diagrams at work. (I used to work at a Ford Dealership)
If you have any other questions, I will try to help but I am a novice to all of this.
Rob