YBa2Cu3O7-x ( YBCO) coated conductors are realized by the deposition of a YBCO film atop thin (10(-6) m) ceramic buffer layers, previously deposited upon a high resistance nickel alloy. On the other side of the tape a copper layer is often added to create an alternative current path during quenches. Several investigations have shown a different qualitative behaviour of the voltages measured on the nickel and copper sides of the tape. In this work we give a theoretical explanation for this phenomenon and point out the technical consequences it might have for the design of devices constructed using YBCO coated conductors.