diff --git a/src/simulation/elements/PROT.cpp b/src/simulation/elements/PROT.cpp
index c603a3399..15604833f 100644
--- a/src/simulation/elements/PROT.cpp
+++ b/src/simulation/elements/PROT.cpp
@@ -55,11 +55,17 @@ int Element_PROT::update(UPDATE_FUNC_ARGS)
 	switch (utype)
 	{
 	case PT_SPRK:
+	{
 		//remove active sparks
-		sim->part_change_type(under>>8, x, y, parts[under>>8].ctype);
-		parts[under>>8].life = 44 + parts[under>>8].life;
-		parts[under>>8].ctype = 0;
+		int sparked = parts[under>>8].ctype;
+		if (sparked >= 0 && sparked < PT_NUM && sim->elements[sparked].Enabled)
+		{
+			sim->part_change_type(under>>8, x, y, sparked);
+			parts[under>>8].life = 44 + parts[under>>8].life;
+			parts[under>>8].ctype = 0;
+		}
 		break;
+	}
 	case PT_DEUT:
 		if ((-((int)sim->pv[y / CELL][x / CELL] - 4) + (parts[under>>8].life / 100)) > rand() % 200)
 		{