With a model calculation, we demonstrate that a noninvasive measuremen
t of the intrinsic quantum Hall effect defined by the local chemical p
otential in a ballistic quantum wire can be achieved with the aid of a
pair of voltage leads which are separated by potential barriers from
the wire. Buttiker's formula is used to determine the chemical potenti
al being measured and is shown to reduce exactly to the local chemical
potential in the limit of strong potential confinement in the voltage
leads. Conditions for quantization of Hall resistance and measuring l
ocal chemical potential are given.