diff --git a/kernel/irq/proc.c b/kernel/irq/proc.c
index 72513ed2a5fc..0459b6983510 100644
--- a/kernel/irq/proc.c
+++ b/kernel/irq/proc.c
@@ -157,9 +157,9 @@ static ssize_t write_irq_affinity(int type, struct file *file,
 	/*
 	 * Do not allow disabling IRQs completely - it's a too easy
 	 * way to make the system unusable accidentally :-) At least
-	 * one online CPU still has to be targeted.
+	 * one active CPU still has to be targeted.
 	 */
-	if (!cpumask_intersects(new_value, cpu_online_mask)) {
+	if (!cpumask_intersects(new_value, cpu_active_mask)) {
 		/*
 		 * Special case for empty set - allow the architecture code
 		 * to set default SMP affinity.