diff --git a/lib/log4js.js b/lib/log4js.js
index f6b6b4a..453a62c 100644
--- a/lib/log4js.js
+++ b/lib/log4js.js
@@ -176,9 +176,7 @@ function configureLevels(levels) {
 }
 
 function setGlobalLogLevel(level) {
-  if(level) {
-    Logger.prototype.level = levels.toLevel(level, levels.TRACE);
-  }
+  Logger.prototype.level = levels.toLevel(level, levels.TRACE);
 }
 
 /**
@@ -204,7 +202,6 @@ function configureOnceOff(config, options) {
     try {
       configureAppenders(config.appenders, options);
       configureLevels(config.levels);
-      setGlobalLogLevel(config.globalLevel);
       
       if (config.replaceConsole) {
         replaceConsole();