diff --git a/graphics/core.lua b/graphics/core.lua
index b4e1d94..830ca69 100644
--- a/graphics/core.lua
+++ b/graphics/core.lua
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ local flasher = require("graphics.flasher")
 
 local core = {}
 
-core.version = "2.2.3"
+core.version = "2.2.4"
 
 core.flasher = flasher
 core.events = events
diff --git a/graphics/element.lua b/graphics/element.lua
index c7cc056..ef05911 100644
--- a/graphics/element.lua
+++ b/graphics/element.lua
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 --
 
 local util = require("scada-common.util")
+local log  = require("scada-common.log")
 
 local core = require("graphics.core")
 
@@ -198,6 +199,9 @@ function element.new(args, child_offset_x, child_offset_y)
     ---@param offset_y integer y offset for mouse events
     ---@param next_y integer next line if no y was provided
     function protected.prepare_template(offset_x, offset_y, next_y)
+        -- don't auto incrememnt y if inheriting height, that would cause an assertion
+        next_y = util.trinary(args.height == nil, 1, next_y)
+
         -- record offsets in case there is a reposition
         self.offset_x = offset_x
         self.offset_y = offset_y