diff --git a/code/datums/components/overlay_lighting.dm b/code/datums/components/overlay_lighting.dm
index a6e531a4b15..27f5360eef2 100644
--- a/code/datums/components/overlay_lighting.dm
+++ b/code/datums/components/overlay_lighting.dm
@@ -251,7 +251,8 @@
 			RegisterSignal(new_holder, COMSIG_MOVABLE_MOVED, .proc/on_holder_moved)
 		if(directional)
 			RegisterSignal(new_holder, COMSIG_ATOM_DIR_CHANGE, .proc/on_holder_dir_change)
-			set_direction(new_holder.dir)
+	if(directional && current_direction != new_holder.dir)
+		current_direction = new_holder.dir
 	if(overlay_lighting_flags & LIGHTING_ON)
 		add_dynamic_lumi()
 		make_luminosity_update()