diff --git a/deluge/core/preferencesmanager.py b/deluge/core/preferencesmanager.py
index 47a141643..7f915f398 100644
--- a/deluge/core/preferencesmanager.py
+++ b/deluge/core/preferencesmanager.py
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ DEFAULT_PREFS = {
     "max_download_speed": -1.0,
     "max_upload_slots_global": 4,
     "max_half_open_connections": -1,
-    "max_connections_per_second": -1,
+    "max_connections_per_second": 20,
     "ignore_limits_on_local_network": True,
     "max_connections_per_torrent": -1,
     "max_upload_slots_per_torrent": -1,