diff --git a/src/simulation/elements/DTEC.cpp b/src/simulation/elements/DTEC.cpp
index 803e413d6..3fec02345 100644
--- a/src/simulation/elements/DTEC.cpp
+++ b/src/simulation/elements/DTEC.cpp
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ int Element_DTEC::update(UPDATE_FUNC_ARGS)
 					r = sim->photons[y+ry][x+rx];
 				if(!r)
 					continue;
-				if (parts[r>>8].type == parts[i].ctype && (parts[i].ctype != PT_LIFE || parts[i].tmp == parts[r>>8].tmp))
+				if (parts[r>>8].type == parts[i].ctype && (parts[i].ctype != PT_LIFE || parts[i].tmp == parts[r>>8].ctype || !parts[i].tmp))
 					parts[i].life = 1;
 			}
 	return 0;