diff --git a/commands.py b/commands.py
index b69553c..ce3fde7 100644
--- a/commands.py
+++ b/commands.py
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def frappy(*args, main=None, stick=None, addons=None, force=False):
                 if addons is not None:
                     raise TypeError('got multiple values for addons')
                 addons = ','.join(alist)
-    if confirmed and confirmed != main and main is not None and not force:
+    if confirmed and confirmed != main and main not in (None, 'restart') and not force:
         session.log.warning('%r is plugged to the cryostat control rack', confirmed)
         session.log.warning('if you are sure, use frappy(..., force=True)', confirmed)
         raise TypeError('refuse to override plugged device')