How can I override a motion detector light?
Most motion detectors have a built-in override:


Normally the switch is kept on all the time. The motion detector monitors ambient light (daylight) and then activates when it's dark enough, and motion is detected.
If you turn the switch off and on within a second or so, the light will stay on, and this overrides motion detection.
To go back to normal operation, turn the switch off and wait ~10 seconds, then turn back on.
I believe most will also go back to normal operations after some hours, or after the sun comes up again




It is possible that you'll damage the electronics by overriding the detector. 

The safe way to do this would be to use a relay.