I've seen the consequences of this type of supply in some timer modules used
in some equipment I was involved in installing. Fault logging was poor on
the site but I believe two units failed in under a year. I got hold of one
for examination and the series capacitor was half melted. I find it hard to
believe the parts were intrinsicly flawed but I believe they are unusually
vulnerable to surges. Looking back I believe the surges originated in a
contactor coil every time it shut off, but I'm not aware of any design rules
on mixing timers and coils on the same circuit, especially as similar timers
are sold as relay accessories.

A transient suppressor might have protected it.

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.