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I am going to be installing one or two motion detector lights to cover my backyard. I would like the ability to "override" the motion detector. What I mean by this is that I would like to be able to flip a switch that turns and keeps the lights turned on regardless of if there is motion or not. When the light switch gets turned off I would like the operation of the motion detector to return to normal.

I first thought about just "jumping" the motion detector with the switch, but I am concerned if the motion detector would be able to handle live power on both sides of its relay when the relay is turned off.

So my questions are, is it safe to do this "jumping" method? If not are there any methods to do this or any common practices for this type of feature?

Kellenjb
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4 Answers4

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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.

Gary
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gregmac
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Yes you can do this. Wire the lightswitch and the motion detector in parallel. You'll need a neutral at the detector as well. In fact, you could wire BOTH detectors and the switch in parallel. This way both lights come on when either detector activates or with the switch. Just remember as you say, the switch wont turn the light off when the detector has activated.

Nobody wants to deal with blinking the switch morse code to turn on a circuit.

Trout
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For a new install, you could use a switch like the Bryant Electric model 4922 three position toggle (down powers circuit 1, center is off, up powers circuit 2). (On Amazon)

Wire the up position directly to the lighting fixture(s), and the down position to the motion sensor, which then connects to the fixture(s). This gives you three choices at the switch: on, off, motion sensor.

user112358
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yes you can over ride the motion with a 3 way sw to work manual or go back in motion. you need a 14/3 and 14/2 going to motion flood hot going to direct motion and red on 14/3 going to light black going to red on motion all naturals together red on common screw of 3 way and hot on same side other screw of common and black of 3 way on other screw

david
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