AbstractPreparation of heat, oil and fire resistant (HOFR) cable sheathing compounds is attempted by blending polychloroprene (PCP) and ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM) using dibutyl maleate grafted EPDM (EPDMgDBM) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) as compatibilizer. Cure rate incompatibility has been minimised by adding the curing agents in masterbatch form. Curing characteristics of the blends have been determined by Monsanto Rheometer and Brabender Plasticorder. Morphology of the blends and compatibility have been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Thermal properties of the blends have been characterized by ageing studies.The optimized blends, after modification with suitable fillers and other ingredients, possess better properties than the control PCP‐compound and meet the specification BS 68