diff --git a/awx/api/serializers.py b/awx/api/serializers.py
index 5ab3be3ad2..51224488a3 100644
--- a/awx/api/serializers.py
+++ b/awx/api/serializers.py
@@ -5491,7 +5491,7 @@ class InstanceSerializer(BaseSerializer):
         if peers_from_control_nodes and node_type not in (Instance.Types.EXECUTION, Instance.Types.HOP):
             raise serializers.ValidationError(_("peers_from_control_nodes can only be enabled for execution or hop nodes."))
 
-        if node_type in (Instance.Types.CONTROL):
+        if node_type == Instance.Types.CONTROL:
             if self.instance and 'peers' in attrs and set(self.instance.peers.all()) != set(attrs['peers']):
                 raise serializers.ValidationError(
                     _("Setting peers manually for control nodes is not allowed. Enable peers_from_control_nodes on the hop and execution nodes instead.")